Thank you for chatting with us Emily! You recently released your new single, “Unwrite Every Song," that you also co-wrote. Tell us about the writing process and where the idea came from.
The idea for “Unwrite Every Song” came after a conversation with a friend of mine who is also a songwriter told me that he had lost his house in a fire. As we ended the conversation, I said something that I have said a million times - “well at least you can get a good song out of that tragedy.” Because you can. Some of the best pieces of art comes from the hardest moments in our life. It is one of the blessings of being an artist that you can take the worst parts of life and make great art out of it. But in that moment, it sounded so trite. And I got to thinking if I would choose to not go through the hardest parts of my life even if that meant I did not have the inspiration to write some of my best songs. I brought that idea to my friends Amanda McCarthy and Tom Shubsda and we all were equally fascinated with this idea. I think of it as a song that asked the question if everything happens for a reason and how we view the tough moments we all go through. I hope it resonates with people and helps them reflect on the moments that make us who we are.
How was it filming the video for “Unwrite Every Song?”
This was such a fun video to create! I made the film with my friend, Chaz Mazzota and he did a great job at helping me feel comfortable on camera. We spent a lot of time discussing the images that would help bring this song to life. I have always loved country music because the writing is meant to be so descriptive that you can see the story like a movie and I think ‘Unwrite Every Song’ does that so we really wanted to see my ‘grandmother’s upright’ and my ‘yard sale guitar’ in the video that is also described in the verses. Chaz also brought this idea of highlighting old songwriting journals that I just loved. We wanted the video to feel like walking through an attic and reflecting on those moments of life through the instruments and journals found throughout the video. It was also special because it is the first music video I’ve created and I am so excited to continue this part of the creative process!
At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people take away from your songs?
I hope people feel empowered after listening to my music. I want people to feel encouraged to completely themselves and feel understood. I believe there is power in sharing people’s stories. It allows us to connect over how we all may come from different places, but the human experience and the feelings we share are all very similar. The musicians who wrote records that made me feel less alone made a huge impact on my life. I want to pass that feeling and encouragement to others through my music.
What’s your advice for young artists trying to establish a name for themselves? Especially young females that may see you as a role model.
The advice that was given to me and I would pass on to the next generation of young artists would be to figure out what you do that no one else can and lean into that. Everyone is unique and your art can only be created by you so find out what that is, how it feels, what it sounds like, and then run with it. Don’t question if it’s what everyone else is doing. If it feels right to you, then it is how you are supposed to show up in the world and people will respond to it.
To all my young women - There will be more people to try and tell you not to play the game. Play it anyway. Play it harder. Faster. Smarter. And don’t listen when someone tries to tear you down. People don’t like what they don’t know and unfortunately, most people aren’t used to female musicians. But you are meant to make music same as anyone else. And you’ve got more people on your side than against you. Find your gals who will run the race with you and enjoy the ride!
Aside from singing do you play any instruments?
I am a singer first, but I also play piano and guitar. I often describe playing piano as feeling like I am coming home. When I sit down to play the piano, the world stops and I am completely in my element. I started playing guitar out of necessity. I was serving a church and they needed a guitarist so I learned. I am grateful for it because my guitar has gotten me to where I am today.
What is your favorite wine?
I really love a good Malbec! A friend of mine who happens to be a wine connoisseur introduced me to the type of wine and I was hooked. It is a great red wine if you aren’t in the totally dry or totally sweet wines. Totally recommend.
What is one food that most people seem to like, but you cannot stand to eat?
I hate cake! I know that is so wild to most people and I do get made fun of for it, but it is just not my favorite. It is easily too sweet for me. I would rather have cheesecake over regular cake any day!
Where is your favorite place to eat in your hometown?
I love so many places to eat in my hometown, but I would have to say my favorite has always been ‘Madison’s,’ which is local pasta restaurant. Everything on the menu is delicious and a staple of Jefferson City. It was a place we reserved for special occasions and I have great memories there celebrating going off to college with my mom and my childhood best friend’s rehearsal dinner. I always stop in there when I make it home!
Most memorable meal while touring. Where were you and what did it involve?
I was in New York City for the first time and used my time off to explore China Town with some friends. Before leaving the hotel, I asked where we should go for Chinese food. They said if I wanted the real thing, then I need to go to the ‘Golden Dragon.’ So me and my friends went on search of this restaurant. After an hour and a half of searching, we finally found this regular office building that said in tiny letters the name of the restaurant. We walked in and got on the elevator where a host took us up to floor 13. When we walked out, we were transported out of NYC into the heart of China. The restaurant had beautiful gold tapestry all over the walls and we were immediately greeted in Chinese by the hostess. It became very clear we were the only ones who spoke English. When we were seated, they would bring carts with different items for us to choose. We chose randomly because we did not know what anything we ate was or the price. Needless to say, it is the best and most exciting meal I have ever had! Can’t wait too go back!
Finally, if you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why?
Honestly, I’d love to be sponsored by Throat Coat. It is a product that I love and use so much that I offer it to so many friends who are sick. It is known for being a singer’s drink so it fits who I am in my business. It is also a natural remedy and for the health conscious which are values I believe in and support as a brand. I think it could be a great partnership and something I can easily see fitting into what I do.
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